Scalextric Newsletter

Scalextric has been the world's leading name in slot-car racing since the first sets were unveiled at the Harrogate Toy Fair in January 1957, and the brand has thrilled both children and adults across generations ever since. Produced originally by Minimodels Ltd in Havant, Hampshire, Scalextric combines beautifully detailed 1:32 scale cars with interlocking track systems to deliver a genuine sense of speed and competition in the home. Whether you are a casual weekend racer or a dedicated hobbyist, there is a Scalextric set built to match your level of enthusiasm.

A Range Built for Every Racer

Scalextric has always catered for the full spectrum of racing fans. Micro Scalextric introduces younger children to the excitement of slot-car racing with compact, easy-to-use sets, while the full 1:32 Sport range steps up the realism with highly detailed car models spanning Formula 1, touring cars, GT machines and classic racers. Each car is carefully engineered for authentic handling on the track, making every race feel genuinely competitive.

Scalextric Sport Digital

Introduced in 2004, Scalextric Sport Digital (SSD) was a significant leap forward for the hobby. Unlike traditional analogue sets where each lane is controlled separately, SSD allows up to four cars to race simultaneously in a single slot, with drivers able to overtake and change lanes at lane-change pieces. The digital system brought a new layer of strategy to home racing and made Scalextric a serious choice for adult hobbyists as well as younger enthusiasts.

Track, Accessories and Customisation

Part of the enduring appeal of Scalextric is the vast ecosystem of compatible track pieces and accessories. Banked curves, chicanes, straight extensions, barriers, grandstands and pit-lane sections allow builders to create highly personal layouts of almost any size and complexity. The Scalextric Sport track system, introduced in the early 2000s with an improved assembly design, is compatible with older Classic track via adaptor pieces, meaning existing collections can be extended rather than replaced.

The Scalextric Community

Scalextric has always supported an active global community of enthusiasts. The Scalextric Club has offered members exclusive limited-edition models over the years, and organised events including the Scalextric World Championship have allowed slot-racers from around the world to compete at the highest level. Keeping up with new releases, limited editions and event announcements was made easy through the Scalextric eNewsletter, which was packed with news, competition results and free desktop wallpapers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Scalextric first introduced?

Scalextric was first unveiled at the Harrogate Toy Fair in January 1957. It was invented by engineer B. Fred Francis of Minimodels Ltd, who added an electric motor to the existing Scalex tin cars produced at the company's factory in Havant, Hampshire.

What scale are Scalextric cars?

The main Scalextric range uses 1:32 scale cars, which strikes a balance between realistic detail and a manageable track footprint. A smaller Micro Scalextric range is also available, using a more compact scale suitable for younger children and tighter spaces.

What is Scalextric Sport Digital and how many cars can race at once?

Scalextric Sport Digital (SSD), introduced in 2004, allows up to four digital cars to race within a single slot simultaneously. Drivers can trigger lane changes at specially equipped track sections, enabling genuine overtaking and adding a strategic dimension that standard analogue sets do not offer.

Is Scalextric Sport track compatible with older Classic track?

Yes. While the Scalextric Sport track system introduced a redesigned clip-together format for easier assembly, special adaptor pieces are available so that older Classic track sections can be joined to Sport track, allowing collectors to expand existing layouts without discarding their previous investment.

What types of cars are available in the Scalextric range?

The range covers a wide variety of motorsport categories and eras, including Formula 1 cars, British Touring Car Championship replicas, GT and sports cars, classic racing legends, and licensed models from popular film and television properties. Limited-edition club models have also been produced for members of the Scalextric Club.

Who manufactures Scalextric?

Scalextric was produced under the Hornby group for many years, having passed through several ownerships since Minimodels Ltd transferred production to Rovex in 1968. In early 2026 the Scalextric business was sold to Purbeck Capital Partners, ensuring the brand continues as a standalone entity.

Note: this brochure is from our archive and may no longer be available. Details, product ranges and contact information may have changed since original publication.